People have been asking ChatGPT to do a lot of things lately. I was going to list some of those things, but I don’t feel like it. I’m sure you’ve heard something. If not, check this out.

One of the first things I asked it to do was to write some CSS for print. It did an OK job of some basic things, but it definitely needs more training. I wonder how GitHub Copilot X would do with access to thousands of examples.

Then I thought, OK, let’s think of something ChatGPT is supposedly really good at (e.g. writing in a specific style).

So, I fired up the old ChatGPT-o-matic 4 and started prompting:

Me: Write a script for a movie called “E.T. 2” that is a sequel to the movie “E.T.” by Steven Spielberg. In the sequel, which takes place 20 years after the first movie, Elliot’s son is visited and befriended by E.T.’s son, who has also been mistakenly left behind on Earth.

Chat GPT:

…and then it stopped.

Wait, no, what happens next? I guess I should just ask.

Me: Can you continue writing this script?

Chat GPT: ERROR

OK, I’ve somehow confused it I guess? Let’s try again anyway.

Me: Can you continue writing this script?

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – KITCHEN – DAY

Elliot and Jane prepare food while discussing their plan to help E.T.’s son.

JANE (nervous) Elliot, are we really doing this again? What if something goes wrong?

ELLIOT (confident) We’ll figure it out, just like we did last time. Tom deserves the same amazing experience I had.

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – TOM’S BEDROOM – DAY

Tom teaches E.T.’s son about Earth customs and shows him some of his favorite toys.

TOM This is called a bicycle. My dad used to ride one with your dad.

E.T.’S SON (amazed) I wish I could ride a bicycle.

TOM (smiling) Don’t worry, I’ll teach you!

EXT. ELLIOT’S HOME – BACKYARD – DAY

Elliot and Tom teach E.T.’s son how to ride a bike. E.T.’s son eventually gets the hang of it, and they all cheer.

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

The family gathers to watch a movie. E.T.’s son points at the TV, recognizing the iconic scene from the first E.T. movie.

E.T.’S SON My father told me about this!

TOM Yeah, it’s one of my favorite movies too.

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

The makeshift communication

And it stopped again. Maybe it just needs encouragement.

Me: Continue writing the script to explain how E.T.’s SON uses the makeshift communication device to contact his family.

ChatGPT:

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

The makeshift communication device is set up in the middle of the forest. Tom, Elliot, Jane, and E.T.’s son huddle around it, hoping for a response.

TOM (excited) Will this really work?

ELLIOT It’s worth a try.

E.T.’s son activates the device, sending out a signal into space. They all wait with bated breath.

EXT. SPACE – NIGHT

The signal travels through the vastness of space, eventually reaching a distant planet where E.T.’s family resides.

INT. E.T.’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT

E.T. and his family are gathered around their own communication device when it starts beeping, signaling an incoming message.

E.T. It’s from Earth!

E.T.’s WIFE Our son must be trying to reach us.

E.T. We have to go back and get him.

EXT. FOREST – NIGHT

Back on Earth, the group waits anxiously for a response. Suddenly, the makeshift communication device lights up, indicating a connection.

E.T.’S SON (excited) They received our message!

TOM So they’re coming to get you?

E.T.’S SON (nods) Yes, but we need to prepare for their arrival.

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – DAY

Elliot, Jane, Tom, and their friends work together to create a landing site for

Me: Continue writing the script to explain how Elliot and E.T.’s son are preparing for E.T.’s rescue plan.

ChatGPT:

E.T.’s family in the forest. They gather supplies and build a makeshift landing pad with lights.

EXT. FOREST – LANDING SITE – NIGHT

The landing site is complete, and the group anxiously awaits E.T.’s family’s arrival. The night sky is clear, with stars twinkling above.

TOM How will we know when they’re here?

E.T.’S SON You’ll know. My father’s ship is quite… unique.

JANE (nervous) I hope everything goes smoothly.

ELLIOT (reassuring) We’ve come this far. We’ll see it through, together.

Suddenly, the sound of an approaching spaceship echoes through the forest. They look up and see a brightly glowing ship descending toward the landing site.

TOM (excited) They’re here!

The ship lands gently on the makeshift pad, and the hatch opens. E.T. and his family emerge, overjoyed to be reunited with their son.

E.T. (tearful) My son!

E.T.’S WIFE We’ve missed you so much!

E.T.’s son embraces his family, grateful for the reunion.

ELLIOT (to E.T.) It’s good to see you again, old friend.

E.T. (nods) Thank you for taking care of my son.

TOM We’re going to miss him.

E.T.’S SON I’ll never forget you, Tom.

The two families share

Me: Continue writing the script to explain what happens after E.T.’s son and TOM say goodbye. Add an unexpected twist to the story.

a heartfelt moment together, knowing that their time together is coming to an end.

E.T.’S SON I have something for you, Tom.

E.T.’s son hands Tom a small, glowing stone.

TOM (curious) What is it?

E.T.’S SON It’s a friendship stone from our planet. It allows us to communicate and see each other, no matter the distance.

TOM (amazed) Really? That’s incredible!

As they say their goodbyes, a sudden, unexpected tremor shakes the ground beneath them. The trees around them rustle, and out of the shadows emerges another group of aliens, visibly different from E.T.’s family.

LEADER ALIEN (angry) You thought you could leave us behind?

E.T. (surprised) Zarnak! What are you doing here?

ZARNAK My family and I were left behind too. We demand passage back to our planet.

A tense standoff ensues. Elliot steps forward, trying to defuse the situation.

ELLIOT There must be a way to resolve this peacefully.

E.T. (agrees) We can all go back together. There’s enough room on our ship.

ZARNAK (reluctant) Very well. But know that our people will not forget this.

The two alien families board the spaceship together. Tom, Elliot, and Jane wave goodbye as the ship takes off, disappearing into the night sky.

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – TOM’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Tom

Me: Continue writing the script to explain what happens after the aliens leave Earth.

ChatGPT:

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – TOM’S BEDROOM – NIGHT

Tom gazes at the glowing friendship stone, now sitting on his nightstand. Elliot and Jane enter the room, still processing the night’s events.

JANE (softly) That was quite an adventure.

ELLIOT (smiling) Just like old times.

TOM (excited) Will we ever see them again, Dad?

ELLIOT I don’t know, Tom. But you have this stone, and it’ll keep you connected to your friend.

TOM (nods) I’ll treasure it forever.

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – DAY – SOME YEARS LATER

Tom, now a teenager, holds the friendship stone while video chatting with E.T.’s son. They exchange stories about their lives on their respective planets.

TOM How’s everything on your planet?

E.T.’S SON It’s been great since we returned. Both families managed to find a way to coexist peacefully. How’s Earth?

TOM Same old, same old. But I’m glad we have this stone to keep in touch.

E.T.’S SON Me too, Tom. Friends forever.

They smile at each other, grateful for the incredible bond they share across the vast expanse of space.

FADE OUT.

THE END

Me: Add a final post-credits scene that suggests there will be another sequel called “E.T. 3”

ChatGPT:

INT. ELLIOT’S HOME – LIVING ROOM – NIGHT – POST-CREDITS SCENE

The room is dark, illuminated only by the flickering TV screen. Suddenly, the friendship stone on Tom’s nightstand begins to glow more intensely than ever before.

INT. E.T.’S HOME – NIGHT

On E.T.’s home planet, another stone glows brightly, signaling an incoming message.

E.T. (concerned) This is urgent. Something’s happening on Earth.

E.T.’S SON (alarmed) Do you think Tom and his family are in danger?

E.T. I’m not sure, but we need to find out.

E.T. and his family exchange determined looks, knowing they must return to Earth to help their friends.

EXT. SPACE – NIGHT

E.T.’s ship speeds through space, heading back to Earth with a sense of urgency.

CUT TO BLACK.

TEXT ON SCREEN: “E.T. 3: Return to Earth – Coming Soon”

THE END

OK, so we’ve got a script, now we need a movie poster! (That’s the order you do it in. And then you make the movie after you have the poster.)

Let’s ask DALL-E 2 to create something.

Wow. OK, yeah we can probably work with that if we have to. But let’s see what else DALL-E can do.

Not really the vibe I was hoping for, but it’s something. I think Midjourney may be a better choice, but we’ve run out of time (there’s no time limit, I just don’t want to spend more time on this right now.)

I think there’s a lot to work with here. Please show this to Steven Spielberg (or the actor who plays E.T.) and ask if they are interested in making a deal.